The Morning Call 2006 Golf Guide: An Introduction

If you've been to Myrtle Beach, Palm Springs or Scottsdale, you know how good a golf binge can taste. You also know how pricey it can be.

Fortunately, we're blessed with some binge-worthy golf in the Lehigh Valley. With more than 60 public courses spread from Bucks County to the Poconos, the area rewards players of all ages, abilities and budgets.

Dotted within those courses are holes worth a second, third, even fourth look. So we asked some skilled players who have played a lot of golf around here to nominate their favorites. The result is their favorite course. A "Dream 18," if you will.

The only stipulations we made were, 1) keep it local and 2) keep it public. (We'd all love to be a regular at Lehigh Country Club or the Saucon Valley's Old Course, alas )

Should you attempt to play this monster, clear a few days, take plenty of golf balls and maintain your composure. Oh, and send us the scorecard.

Enjoy the binge.

GUIDE TO THE GOLF GUIDE

Information for The Morning Call's annual guide to area public golf courses was gathered from surveys of course personnel. In lieu of returned surveys, phone calls, Web sites or course visits were used to gather information.

In the interest of space and accuracy, each course's standard morning/afternoon green fees were included. For information on twilight, senior, junior or other discounted rates, contact the individual course.

Players also should be aware that courses can change prices and policy without notice.

The "Dream 18" was compiled by a panel of voters and staff members of The Morning Call. Special thanks to our panel of voters.